Peter Crouch brings his dream career to a conclusion

Peter Crouch has called time on his career in the game, a career he said that made his "dreams come true".

The 6’ 7” striker was released by Burnley at the end of the season having had spells playing at clubs such as Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke City. During his career he also picked up 42 caps for England.

The 38-year-old player to confirmed his retirement on Twitter. “After a lot of deliberation this summer, I have decided to retire from football! Our wonderful game has given me everything. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long.”

Crouch said that if you'd told him at 17 he'd play in World Cups, a Champions League final, win the FA Cup and get 100 Premier League goals he would have "avoided you at all costs"!

"I have had 23 years to prepare for this moment but, now it is here, you realise nothing can prepare you at all. The time has come refer to myself as a 'former footballer'; this incredible journey I have been on since I was 16 is over.

"My ambition was to play until I was 40, so it is scary saying the word 'retirement'. It has left me emotional and it feels weird not to be preparing for a new campaign but circumstances over the last couple of seasons have made me realise that this is the right thing to do.

"Football has opened up avenues that I never thought were possible when I started scoring goals in the Hayes and District league as an Under-10. Football, simply, made my dreams come true."

Crouch, who also played for England at two World Cups, is one of 28 players to score over 100 goals in the Premier League and still holds the record for the most-headed goals.

If you told me at 17 I’d play in World Cups , get to a champions league final , win the Fa cup and get 100 @premierleague goals I would have avoided you at all costs.
It’s been an absolute dream come true

— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) July 12, 2019